HAMDEN, CT, May 23, 2025 — Arts for Learning CT (AFLCT) is honored to announce a renewed and expanded $20,000 grant from the Jeffrey P. Ossen Family Foundation, supporting and strengthening arts learning across Hartford and Windham counties. This funding deepens the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to equitable arts access, first established in 2023.
The grant will support AFLCT’s innovative programs, including its Higher Order Thinking Schools initiative and other responsive programming offerings. These programs use the arts to enhance academic learning, foster social-emotional growth, and empower students to express themselves creatively and confidently.
“This renewed partnership with the Ossen Foundation is not only a vote of confidence in our mission, it’s an investment in the creative potential of young people across Connecticut,” said John-Michael Parker, Executive Director of AFLCT. “We’re proud to continue and grow this work together.”
The Jeffrey P. Ossen Family Foundation’s support allows AFLCT to sustain and expand arts learning opportunities in schools and communities with limited high-quality programming. Through Teaching Artist residencies, school partnerships, and targeted regional efforts, AFLCT will reach thousands of students in Hartford and Windham counties with transformative, culturally responsive arts experiences.
For more information about the Jeffrey P. Ossen Family Foundation, please visit https://jeffreypossen.org/about/.
About Higher Order Thinking (HOT) Schools:
The Higher Order Thinking Schools program is a comprehensive initiative integrating arts learning into the core curriculum to improve school and student outcomes. Its goals are to improve student engagement, enrich school culture, and expand teacher practice. It is built on the belief that arts learning promotes higher-order thinking and develops skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. HOT Schools partner schools are characterized by their focus on Social and Emotional Learning, Culturally Responsive Teaching practice, and school culture, fostering an environment where every student is encouraged to engage actively in their learning. The program has been recognized nationally for its innovative approach to education and its success in enhancing student achievement.